TRAVELLIVE 12 - 2017

Clockwise from this picture:
Stone carvings on the main
gate of St. Trophime Church;
A blue-painted door, typical
color of the Mediterranean;
Main square of Arles;
Headquarter of Foundation
Vincent Van Gogh Arles, a
foundation dedicated to the
legacy of Van Gogh and to
promote artistic activities
of modern artists; Arles
Amphitheatre (ArÃnes d'Arles)
Some stone roads still remain to this day, while some has been
paved. It is easy for tourists to lose their way in this ancient town
and not really know which part of history they are stepping on.
My first impression of Arles is that it was a small and peaceful town, and I too
found myself enchanted. The town used to be chosen as a capital by many
kings, and was even once an economically important port. There still stood a
2,500-year- old Roman arena, and the ruins of a once-splendid outdoor theater.
How Arles can remain so serene is a mystery!
I quietly examined each of the stones on the stone wall of the Arenes arena, and could clearly
imagine the cheering on, betting and screaming of the audience, as well as the powerful or
terrifying screams of the bull fighters in one of those ancient bull fights.
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TRAVELLIVE
Slowly walking on the medieval, narrow, and winding streets among the old buildings, I
wondered thousands of years ago, how many kings, princes, and princesses, ladies and
gentlemen had stepped out from a luxury carriage onto these pavements to attend endless balls,
partying all day and night long with the wine constantly flowing?